1. Start up an informal online workshop. That's super-easy to set up via e-mail, and free. We can evolve rules and guidelines as we go. It would be great to have 2-3 volunteer coordinators initially, to help things run smoothly. As soon as I have two volunteers, I'll set it up. E-mail me. :-) We can let it run for a while, and if, at some point, we're feeling the need for a more formal, more structured, dues-paying workshop with a paid Director, we can work on making that possible.
2. Start the Chicago reading series. Mostly because it's in the works already. Right now, we have no budget for this, so it'll be limited to local authors or people whose book tours are bringing them to Chicago (we can provide crash space, if that helps!). The first reading will be Wed, May 9, 7-9 p.m., at the Book Cellar Cafe in Lincoln Square. Get in touch with me if you want to read; I'm planning to finalize the list of readers by April 1st. We'll also have an open mic. Eventually, I'd like to raise sufficient funds so we can have a real budget, apply to Poets & Writers for matching funds, and be able to pay honoraria to both local and visiting writers. A girl can dream, right?
3. DesiLit Magazine. This is the big priority -- getting our online magazine up and running again. To that end, I plan to start up a Kickstarter to raise funds for it, probably in May. I'll also be putting out a call for editors, so keep your eyes open for that if interested. We'll need an editor-in-chief, associate editor, fiction, poetry, articles, and reviews editors. Probably volunteer or very poorly-paid positions, at least for the first year (but good for academics, who can put it on their c.v.! :-).
That's it for now! Again, thanks for all the feedback!